The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, which were scrubbed clean, whitened and preserved by the British Museum have created long standing international controversy. The question of whether or not the surviving sculptures from the Parthenon should now be given back to Greece, has been the subject of public discussion for decades. The complex history of the sculptures has created worldwide debate. Now in a recent YouGov poll it is thought that only 25% of the British public support the Elgin Marbles remaining in the UK. Half of the respondents to the survey published in the Times said the sculptures should be returned to Greece, with a 1/4 undecided. The marbles were again in the news this month when It was revealed that one of the figures was loaned to the Hermitage Museum in Russia.